Captain Tom's lobstering career began in 1984 as a summer job
for his neighbor Andy Strout.

They set the traps along the beautiful rocky shoresof Cape Elizabeth
and after the first day on the 23 foot boat, Tom was hooked. "It
was always a thrill to discover what was waiting inside the next
trap" Tom recalls. "I guess that's the reason it's still
enjoyable today."

The
next summer Tom began working for Andy's brother Frank on the
36 foot Nancy J. which docked in Portland Harbor. Frank lobstered
full time year round and showed Tom the challenges and rewards
of making a living on the sea. "Frank was the perfect role
model," Tom explains. "He's a great fisherman, works
hard, very knowledgeable, honest and fair."

Building
an old fashioned 'Half Round'

While working on the Nancy J. Tom began building some of his
own traps and was soon hauling them by hand onboardhis own 21
foot skiff. A few years later the skiff was replaced with a 30
foot lobster named Sue-Anna-Jean. "Thankfully that boat had
a hydraulic trap hauler" Tom mentions.

In 1996 the 37 foot Lucky Catch was purchased to add size and
stability but also to take on a new approach. During the summer
months Captain Tom began taking passengers out to tend his traps.
On the one and a half hour excursions, guests could experience
the routines of a real Maine Lobsterman.

Sizing
up a keeper!

As interest grew in the cruises so did the need to package and
send lobsters to the customers. "The excitement of catching
your own fresh lobster and taking it home or having it sent to
friends was too delicious to resist." Tom says, "now
I'm lucky that Liam is here to organize the shipments while I'm
on the boat."

Liam McCoy is Tom's brother-in-law/business partner who now hand
selects the freshest hard shell lobsters to send across the US.
Experienced in logistics and customer service, Liam creates a
direct connection Lucky Catch Lobster. "They just can't be
any fresher" Liam says. "1 like being able to offer
the best Maine lobster. We all take a great deal of pride in what
we do."

Yummmm!!!!

If you're ever in Portland please stop by for a visit. Our packaging
facility is located at 41 Union Wharf. The boat ties up on the
eastern side of Union Wharf, but during the summer she can also
be found on Long Wharf in the Old Port.